CriticalDance is collaborating with Pennsylvania Ballet in providing this feedback forum. Over the next several days, we will bringing you an assortment of news, reviews and features, both from our archives as well as new sources. Stay tuned.

In the meantime, please enjoy this past special coverage of the company in the July issue of our sister magazine, Ballet-Dance Magazine BDm:

Season Includes First-time Performances of Works by Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp and Sir Frederick Ashton, and the Return of Romeo and Juliet</div>

Ballets about love, laughter, triumph and tragedy highlight Pennsylvania Ballet’s 2004-2005 season. Embarking on his tenth season as Artistic Director, Roy Kaiser announced the programming for the Company’s 41st season, which includes five Company premieres by such renowned choreographers as Jerome Robbins, Twyla Tharp, and Sir Frederick Ashton, and the return of popular favorites including John Cranko’s powerful production of Romeo and Juliet.

The 2004-2005 season programming is as follows:

- Slaughter on Tenth Avenue: George Balanchine’s Slaughter on Tenth Avenue, Agon, and the Company premiere of Ballo Della Regina; November 3-7, 2004; Academy of Music.

- George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker: December 11, 2004-January 2, 2005; Academy of Music.

- Nine Sinatra Songs: The Company premiere of Twyla Tharp’s Nine Sinatra Songs, Peter Martins’ The Waltz Project, and another ballet to be announced; February 2-6, 2005; Merriam Theater at the University of the Arts.

- The Concert: The Company premieres of Jerome Robbins’ The Concert and Christopher Wheeldon’s Continuum, and another ballet to be announced; April 27-May 1, 2005; Merriam Theater at the University of the Arts.

- Romeo and Juliet: Choreography by John Cranko; June 2-12, 2005; Academy of Music.

Pennsylvania Ballet unveiled its plans for the 2004-05 season today, featuring works that will stretch its repertoire in a number of directions. While no new works are planned, the healthy handful of company premieres range from a rarely seen story ballet, Sir Frederick Ashton's La Fille mal gardée, to the company's first Twyla Tharp piece, to The Concert, a comic crowd-pleaser by Jerome Robbins.

The big news as far as the dancing staff is concerned is the addition of two new Principal Dancers, Julie Diana and Zachary Hench, from San Francisco Ballet. Diana was a favorite among San Francisco audiences. Hench was originally from Pennsylvania.

Among the other dancer additions, André Vytoptov was promoted to the Corps de Ballet from a two-year apprenticeship.

For more detailed information, visit this topic in our Company Press Releases forum:

I most certainly will spread the word.... and we will be attending the Balanchine program in November. I am thrilled that Julie Diana and Zach Hench have joined PABallet. I think they will be an amazing addition to this group with all their experience and creative gifts. I am sure their presence is already felt by the entire organization. Still waiting to hear the casting for this Balanchine program and dying to know what Julie will dance on her first outing with PABallet! This is a wonderful ensemble of dancers and anyone that is able should go and see them this season!!!!

thank you for posting the 2004-2005 PABallet schedule, along with dates, times and theaters. I have been unable to locate this information on the PABallet site and wanted to start reserving dates to see the company. I went to a few performances last year and was totally amazed. This company is filled with talented dancers and I think their rep for 2004/2005 is going to keep us all entertained. I also agree that the addition of both Julie and Zack will be wonderful for the company.

Yes, both Julie Diana and Zack Hench are amazing dancers. Diana especially is beautiful in every theatrical aspect: technique, feet, body, and facial features among others. I know more than a few San Francisco Ballet fans who already miss her.

Pennsylvania Ballet will open its season on November 3, 2004 with an exciting all-Balanchine program, the highlight of which is the Richard Rodgers scored "Slaughter on Tenth Avenue," which was originally choreographed for the Broadway musical "On Your Toes." Other works will include "Ballo della Regina" and perennial favorite "Agon."

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Since its inception in 1963, Pennsylvania Ballet has been at the forefront of dance in America and is widely regarded as one of the premier ballet companies in the nation. The School and Company were established by Barbara Weisberger, a Balanchine protégé, through a Ford Foundation initiative to develop regional professional dance companies.

During its first decade, the Company forged the unique identity for which it is still known today: a diverse classical repertoire with a Balanchine backbone performed by versatile dancers whose energy and exuberance are the Company’s enduring signature.

Roy Kaiser has been an integral part of Pennsylvania Ballet for over 20 years, working his way up from the Corps de Ballet to Soloist, Principal Dancer, Ballet Master, Associate Artistic Director, and now Artistic Director.

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